Professional Development
University-Based Learning
The University of Montana offers a fully online certificate in gifted education. These four courses can be taken on their own for the certificate or as part of completing a Master’s degree in education. The courses are structured such that they can be taken in any order with each course offering key content foundations through the lens of the particular course.
C&I 561: Intro to Gifted Education (FALL)
-foundations in theory, identification, program structures, and curriculum
-a broad catch-all course for anyone seeking an overview
C&I 562: Social-Emotional / Special Populations (SPRING)
-social-emotional development through the lens of gifted education
-exploring student exceptionalities and needs beyond academics
-twice-exceptional and English-language learner strategies discussed
C&I 563: Curriculum and Methods for the Gifted (FALL)
-learn about best-practices in advanced academics curriculum
-targeted study of the recognition and function of creativity in education
C&I 564: Program Planning for the Gifted (SPRING)
-history, underpinnings, and advocacy for gifted education are discussed
-program components considered through a program evaluation lens
You can also check out the list of university programs in gifted education that the National Association for Gifted Children has compiled (most recently updated in 2017).
C&I 561: Intro to Gifted Education (FALL)
-foundations in theory, identification, program structures, and curriculum
-a broad catch-all course for anyone seeking an overview
C&I 562: Social-Emotional / Special Populations (SPRING)
-social-emotional development through the lens of gifted education
-exploring student exceptionalities and needs beyond academics
-twice-exceptional and English-language learner strategies discussed
C&I 563: Curriculum and Methods for the Gifted (FALL)
-learn about best-practices in advanced academics curriculum
-targeted study of the recognition and function of creativity in education
C&I 564: Program Planning for the Gifted (SPRING)
-history, underpinnings, and advocacy for gifted education are discussed
-program components considered through a program evaluation lens
You can also check out the list of university programs in gifted education that the National Association for Gifted Children has compiled (most recently updated in 2017).
National Organizations and Conferences
NAGC (National Organization for Gifted Children): Opportunities include the national conference in November, a leadership and advocacy conference in early summer, ongoing e-learning webinars, and an expert speakers program which offers connections to leading scholars in the field of gifted education. With membership you can receive three periodicals: Gifted Child Quarterly, Teaching for High Potential, and Parenting for High Potential
SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted): Opportunities include the national conference in August, a rolling schedule of online webinars, and online support groups including those for parents of the gifted
CEC-TAG (Council for Exceptional Children, Talented and Gifted Division): Opportunities include the national CEC conference in March with a strand in gifted education, webinars, and connections to other in-person institutes and professional development
CONFRATUTE (University of Connecticut): Annual conference in July centered on gifted education and creativity
EDUFEST (Boise State University): Annual conference in July with diverse strands in gifted education and creativity
SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted): Opportunities include the national conference in August, a rolling schedule of online webinars, and online support groups including those for parents of the gifted
CEC-TAG (Council for Exceptional Children, Talented and Gifted Division): Opportunities include the national CEC conference in March with a strand in gifted education, webinars, and connections to other in-person institutes and professional development
CONFRATUTE (University of Connecticut): Annual conference in July centered on gifted education and creativity
EDUFEST (Boise State University): Annual conference in July with diverse strands in gifted education and creativity
Other Organizations
Western Montana Professional Learning Collaborative: Offers two online courses: Nurturing Individual Needs and Exploring Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted
Teacher Learning Hub: Offers and online module on characteristics and introduction to gifted students
Teacher Learning Hub: Offers and online module on characteristics and introduction to gifted students
